Serena Williams fined for US Open outburst1:28

Serena Williams has been fined for her outburst in the US Open finals. The umpire's decision to penalise her for code violations has sparked debate over sexism in tennis, overshadowing Naomi Osaka's win.

NEW YORK, NY — SEPTEMBER 08: Naomi Osaka of Japan is interviewed after winning the Women's Singles finals match against Serena Williams of the United States on Day Thirteen of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2018 in the Flushing neighbourhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Elsa/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==Source:AFP

OPINION

SERENA Williams’ shocking US Open loss to Naomi Osaka left a bad taste in a lot of mouths and as much as most of the world’s Serena superfans don’t want to admit, it was almost entirely the 23-time champion’s fault.

Williams immediately blew up at the official, claiming she “doesn’t cheat” and would “rather lose” than be busted for foul play.

After taking the first slap on the wrist personally, most of us expected the experienced tennis champion to shake it off as a blip on the radar before getting on with winning her seventh Flushing Meadows crown.

That wasn’t the case.

Serena’s awkward hug. Picture: Al BelloSource:AFP

Naomi’s not happy.Source:AFP

Tears. Picture: Julian FinneySource:AFP

The match continued for barely 10 minutes before Ramos docked Williams for racket abuse as Osaka began to run away with the match, sparking another outburst from the 36-year-old.

She labelled him a “thief” and a “liar” before setting off on an ugly rant at referee Brian Earley, halting the match for several minutes. She then claimed she was “owed an apology” from Ramos in an act of petulance rivalling anything seen from Nick Kyrgios.

Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg claimed Williams felt entitled to have the coaching warning retracted. He could not have been more correct.

As fans watched on in awe of the extraordinary meltdown of one of the most successful sports stars in history, a sheepish Osaka stood in the shadows.

Serena has lost it. She didn't bring it today, the ref was just doing his job, and now she's turned it into an * for Osaka, which it shouldn't be. #USopenpic.twitter.com/Pnn75nMlx4

The Japanese-born star — who is 16 years Williams’ junior — stood silent at her end of the court as the circus unfolded. She proceeded to serve out the match 6-4 to take the first grand slam title ever won by a Japanese tennis player.

The saddest part of the fiasco is that young Osaka stood with her head bowed in tears at the post-match presentation.

It should have been her moment of glory after spending her entire life dedicated to raising one of the most revered trophies in tennis. Instead, she looked like an embarrassed kid not knowing where to stand in an hour when the stadium should have been hers.

Booing from the crowd — a phenomenon rarely seen after a grand slam final — will likely remain tattooed on the 20-year-old’s memory reel for the rest of her life.

It doesn’t matter if the jeers were directed at the umpire — who wants to hear booing after winning your debut grand slam against a childhood hero?

Serena Williams (and the US Open crowd) has ruined this title for Osaka and she should be pilloried for it. What a disgrace.

“Should they (umpires) be allowed have an influence on the result of a match? When do we decide that this should never happen again,” he wrote immediately after match point.

Sadly, the embarrassing fallout is yet another disappointing example of sour grapes directed at sports officiators.

The star of the show has been once again the chair umpire. Second time in this US Open and third time for Serena in a US Open Final. Should they be allowed have an influence on the result of a match ? When do we decide that this should never happen again ?

Ramos was simply doing his job the best he could under extremely stressful conditions — it wouldn’t make the slightest of difference if every single coach in the world was getting away with flouting the rules in the box.

There were fiery scenes at the #USOpen today, as @serenawilliams defended herself against cheating and sexism.

At the end of the day, Osaka was the superior player on the court, but unfortunately her stunning display of power and grace to topple the greatest women’s star in history at her home slam will be forever resigned to the footnotes.